10 Eco-friendly Organic Cotton Baby Clothes Brands
Babies’ bodies are constantly growing and developing, so they need extra care when being clothed. Just as we are cautious with what we put into their bodies, we want to be able to do the same with what we put onto their bodies.
This guide explores the sustainability of organic cotton baby clothing!
Cotton is a widely-grown and used natural fiber. It’s soft, comfortable, and breathable, making it a win for baby clothes as well.
However, conventional cotton has come under fire due to its use of toxic chemicals and the colossal amount of water needed to grow it. Its impact on people and the planet has pulled many, including parents to newborns, away from this so-called “dirty crop”.
Conventional cotton is grown with the use of pesticides and insecticides, so it’s little surprise to hear it dubbed a “dirty crop”.
These toxic chemicals affect workers in cotton fields, as well as those living in surrounding areas, who are exposed to them as they leach into the air, soil, and water. Thus, for reasons both social and environmental, consumers have started turning towards organic cotton.
What is Organic Cotton?
Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic chemicals. Weeds are physically removed or managed through intercropping, including the use of trap crops that attract pests. Natural, untreated GMO seeds are used in organic cotton farming.
Through the use of these natural and time-honored traditions in organic cotton farming, the use of pesticides and insecticides are avoided; and such regenerative practices build healthy soil and store carbon, while improving the air and water quality and not exposing workers to toxic chemicals.
The practice of crop rotation is also implemented, providing farmers with a means of supplementing their food and income with additional crops.
The downside to organic cotton farming is that it requires more land because it does not yield as much as conventional cotton; and unless the crops are rain-fed they may use as much, if not more, water than conventional crops.
By focusing on creating quality over quantity, fabric – whether for baby clothing, bedding, or kitchenware – can be produced to make items that are durable and long-lasting, requiring less need to restock closets all the time and thus less need for higher yields.
Why is Organic Cotton Clothing Better for Babies?
A baby’s skin is thinner and more permeable, making them more vulnerable to toxic chemicals as they are less able to break down or expel these from their bodies. This may make babies more sensitive to rough or synthetic fabrics or those that have been finished and treated with chemicals.
Additional problems can come from the chemicals used in finishes and treatments afterward, including the use of dyes, that may linger on even after several washes.
Because organic cotton baby clothes are produced from fabric sourced from crops not using toxic chemicals, and not treated with them afterward, it becomes a gentler, safer option for your little one.
Organic cotton clothing is also hypoallergenic; and with its longer fibers that are more strongly connected, results in clothing that is more durable: perfect for a baby as it wiggles, rolls, crawls, and explores.
Tips for Picking out Safe Clothes for Newborns
If you’re looking to buy organic cotton baby clothes, here are a few things to look out for:
Buy certified organic cotton. Look for certification labels like Organic Content Standard (OCS), Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), and especially Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The latter establishes protection for workers and ensures that all stages of the supply chain remain toxic-free. Without these labels, you risk buying clothing that is either not organic or may not have been made organically at every stage of its production.
This speaks to seeking out organic cotton that’s organic from start to finish. Some baby clothes may have been made using organic cotton, but still use non-organic or toxic dyes.
Be wary of greenwashing. Clothing labeled as sustainable, eco-friendly, or green is not necessarily organic.
Organic cotton clothing is more expensive, so if you’re sticking to conventional cotton, try seeking options using natural dyes.
10 Organic Cotton Baby Clothing Brands to Shop
If you’re looking for some ethical brands using organic cotton to add some essentials to your baby’s wardrobe consider these brands.
This post does contain some affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase The Honest Consumer may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
Frugi: Sustainable Baby Clothing
From baby grows and rompers to sleepwear and swimwear, Frugi specializes in baby clothes all made from organic cotton. It doesn’t end with baby clothes: Frugi also makes clothes and accessories for older kids, as well as offering maternity and nursing items.
Frugi stays sustainable and eco-friendly with its use of GOTS-certified organic cotton, and by recycling post-consumer plastic materials to make winter jackets, backpacks, lunch bags, and pencil cases.
Passion Lilie’s Baby Clothing & Swaddles
Building a sustainable world is a core part of Passion Lilie’s ethos. Using fair trade practices and organic cotton, Passion Lilie makes clothing and accessories for men and women, as well as offering baby clothing and swaddle blankets.
Handcrafted patterns create designs that are timeless and seasonless, while fabric waste is reduced by turning it into items like face masks, headbands, scrunchies, and napkins.
The Good Tee: Fair Trade Organic Cotton Baby Clothes
Established in 2020, The Good Tee champions sustainable and ethical practices, especially when it comes to the people they work with. Devasted by the conditions of cotton farmers in India, founder Adila Cokar sought to start a fair trade brand that was fair to farmers and transparent to customers. The result was The Good Tee.
PC The Good Tee
Now B-Corp certified and Fair Trade, The Good Tee offers a range of organic cotton clothing and accessories, including soft, snug tees, leggings, and onesies for babies.
Sustain’s Plant Dyed Baby Clothing
Sustain by Kat creates high-quality, timeless basics made from 100% natural materials including organic cotton and linen.
They source and craft all of their products ethically and with care, ensuring that each naturally-dyed piece contributes to helping both our planet and the people in it. Their kids clothing features onesies, dresses, and more.
PACT Organic Fair Trade Baby Clothes
PACT is passionate about the Earth and its people. They work with GOTS-certified organic cotton and Fair Trade-certified factories to provide a range of clothing for men and women, as well as babies and kids.
Their baby section features onesies, sleepwear, bottoms, and more.
Makemake Organics Minimalist Style
Makemake Organics is an organic baby clothing brand that focuses on providing comfort and style to parents looking for an organic dress, romper, pajama, or even bedding.
Each piece is made with fair trade practices and GOTS certified organic cotton.
This sustainable clothing brand keep the price range affordable with simple styles, making it easy to accommodate every baby's individual personality.
Under the Nile’s Ethically Made Baby Clothes
Under the Nile is dedicated to being a transparent and trustworthy brand we can all count on to bring parent the best for their children. Parents work hard to protect their children, and Under the Nile lends a hand with their easily accessible line of fully Organic Egyptian Cotton clothing, toys, and bedding.
Apple Park: Unique Baby Clothes Sustainable Made
If you’re looking for organic, sustainable, and safe toys + clothes for your little one, then Apple Park is a great fit for you.
Apple Park creates their sweet, classic baby and children's toys only with recycled, sustainable, and non-toxic materials. Kids love Apple Park, parents feel safe about the materials their child cuddles with, and the Earth appreciate the sustainable choices.
These soft, organic, and lovable toys are perfect for the newest member of your family!
Me O My Earth: Eco-friendly Baby Clothes Inspired by Nature
Me O My Earth crafts adorable and comfortable children’s clothing backed by a serious eco-purpose. Made from certified organic cotton, their children’s clothing is not only super sustainable, but is also soft, breathable, and comfortable for even the most sensitive skin.
Plus, Me O My Earth dedicates a portion of every sale to organizations like Gorilla Doctor and Care for Wild, helping to protect and support endangered species in their natural habitats
Hopefully this guide has helped you understand the importance of organic fabrics on newborns skin and discover some eco-friendly clothing brands for babies.
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